Gibby

Gr 5–8—Teenager Katie is still mourning her mother, who died a year earlier. She has a passion for gymnastics, but even that doesn't interest her anymore. During the last week of school, one of Katie's teachers holds an essay contest to determine which student will care for her tufted capuchin monkey, Gibby, while she's away for the summer. Ultimately, Katie wins. Caring for Gibby brings joy back to Katie's life. That a cute boy, Tommy, helps her care for the monkey only sweetens the experience. Katie is a likable character. However, she's so poised and articulate that it is hard to tell the difference between her happiness and sadness. In addition to coming out of her shell, Katie must deal with one-dimensional mean girl Alicia. Her villainy is over-the -top, à la Montgomery Burns. When Alicia and her two BFFs see Tommy flirt with Katie at the dance, one friend says, "What does he see in her?" To this Alicia replies, "There won't be anything to see once I get done with her. Let's get some punch." At this point, Alicia takes a cup of punch to Katie's table and pours it on Katie's dress. Kids who are interested in gymnastics will enjoy the scenes where Katie and the other girls perform, and Gibby's antics are entertaining—throwing eggs and flour around the kitchen, for instance. Still, it is unsettling that Gibby wears baby clothes—she is a wild animal after all.